Systems and devices for motion control

ABSTRACT

Systems and devices to control linear, rotational, and/or arcuate motion are provided herein. In some examples, a pin system is configured for insertion in a door and/or door jamb, and to control motion of the door, such as a speed with which the door closes. In some examples, a hinge pin is configured to replace a conventional hinge pin and to control motion of the door. In some examples, a hinge system is configured to replace a conventional door hinge and to control motion of the door.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/135,244, filed Jan. 8, 2021, titled“Systems and Devices for Motion Control.” The complete subject matterand contents of App. Ser. No. 63/135,244 are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The slamming of a door can cause many problems. For instance, there isthe risk that the door could be slammed on a person's fingers—often thefingers of a child. Additionally, slamming a door may result in a personor a pet being locked in a room. Moreover, nobody enjoys the loud soundof a slammed door. Besides the slamming of a door, there are numerousother situations, especially in industrial settings, where, if motion ofan object is not adequately dampened or controlled, the motion can causedamage to equipment, harm to a person, and/or unpleasant noises.

SUMMARY

The systems and devices described herein utilize a Shear ThickeningFluid (STF) to allow a door to close normally when lighter pressure isapplied during closure and to dampen, slow, and/or stop a door fromslamming when greater pressure or speed is applied. STF is relaxed atrest and behaves nearly like most viscous liquids under minimal shear orpressure (e.g., flowable, pourable, etc.). Under normal closingconditions, the fluid remains relaxed and the door closes easily. Whenpressure or shear forces are applied, the fluid stiffensinstantaneously, providing the functionality needed to work with devicesdescribed herein, which act to control the speed of a door or otherdevices. Adjustability of the amount of resistance has been designedinto the devices as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an example linear motion control systemaccording to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an example linear motioncontrol system according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are isometric views of an example linear motion controlsystem according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 4A is a top view of an example linear motion control systemaccording to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of an example linear motion control systemaccording to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 5A is a side view of an example linear motion control systemrevealing internal components according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 5B is an isometric view of an example linear motion control systemrevealing internal components according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an example adjustment knob of a linearmotion control system according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 7A shows an isometric view of an example piston head of a linearmotion control system according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 7B shows an isometric view of an example shim of a linear motioncontrol system according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an example hinge pin assembly insertedinto a hinge according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of example hinge pin assembly insertedinto a hinge according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an example hinge pin assembly including apiston assembly, rebound shim, and piston cam according to an embodimentof the present technology.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an exploded view of an example hinge pinassembly according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate an example chamber housing configured to containmovable parts of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of thepresent technology.

FIGS. 19-24 illustrate an example piston assembly according to anembodiment of the present technology.

FIGS. 25-31 illustrate an example cam secured to a pin according to anembodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 32 is a side view of an example hinge system incorporated in ahinge according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 33 is a top view of an example hinge system incorporated in a hingeaccording to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 34 provides a cross-sectional view of the inner mechanics of anexample hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 35 provides an exploded view of an example hinge assembly and hingeaccording to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 36 provides a cross-sectional view of the inner mechanics of anexample hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 37 illustrates a view of an example plunger bushing according to anembodiment of the present technology

FIG. 38 illustrates a view of an example pin of an example hingeassembly according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrates a perspective view of an example closedhinge according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 41 illustrates a front view of an example hinge assembly and hingeaccording to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 42 is a top view of an example hinge system and hinge according toan embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 43 illustrates an example hinge assembly with mechanicals revealedaccording to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 44 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example hinge assemblywith the mechanicals being partially revealed according to an embodimentof the present technology.

FIG. 45 illustrates a bottom view of an example hinge assembly and hingeaccording to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 46 illustrate cross-sectional view of an example hinge assembly andhinge according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 47 illustrates a top view of an example hinge assembly and hingeaccording to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIGS. 48-51 illustrate multiple views of an example cap and mating leadscrew nut according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIGS. 52-54 illustrate multiple views of an example piston assembly andlead screw mechanism according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIGS. 55 and 56 illustrate exploded views of an example piston assemblyand lead screw mechanism according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIGS. 57 and 58 illustrate perspective views of an example pistonassembly, lead screw mechanism and plunger bushing according to anembodiment of the present technology.

FIGS. 59 and 60 illustrate cross-sectional views of an example pistonassembly, lead screw mechanism and plunger bushing according to anembodiment of the present technology.

FIGS. 61-64 illustrate multiple views of an example piston assembly,lead screw mechanism and plunger bushing according to an embodiment ofthe present technology.

FIGS. 65-67 illustrate multiple views of an example a pin hinge shaftbottom according to an embodiment of the present technology.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments of the present technology(s), will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and devices to control linear, rotational, and/or arcuate motionare disclosed herein. In disclosed examples, a pin system is configuredfor insertion in a door and/or door jamb, and to control motion of thedoor, such as a speed with which the door closes. In some disclosedexamples, a hinge pin is configured to replace a conventional hinge pinand to control motion of the door. In some disclosed examples, a hingesystem is configured to replace a conventional door hinge and to controlmotion of the door. For the purpose of illustrating the technology,there are shown in the attached drawings, certain embodiments of thesystems. It should be understood, however, that the technology is notlimited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawingsor to the descriptions of the embodiments herein.

In disclosed examples, a device for controlling the motion of an object,including a body that includes a chamber filled at least in part with ashear thickening fluid, a piston that is positioned in the body and thatis connected to a cap, the piston configured to exert pressure againstthe shear thickening fluid in response to a force applied to the cap byan object, and a rod connected to the piston, the rod configured toadjust an amount of pressure exerted against the shear thickening fluid.

In some examples, the piston includes a plunger that is connected to apiston head.

In examples, a bushing to guide the cap and plunger into the chamber inresponse to the force applied to the cap. In examples, a spring that isconfigured to provide mechanical resistance between the cap and thebushing in response to the force applied to the cap.

In some examples, the shear thickening fluid comprises a plurality ofnanoparticles. In examples, the plurality of nanoparticles comprises oneor more of an oxide, calcium carbonate, synthetically occurringminerals, naturally occurring minerals, polymers, SiO₂, polystyrene,polymethylmethacrylate, or a mixture thereof.

In some examples, the shear thickening fluid comprises a polymericmaterial. In some examples, the shear thickening fluid comprises one ormore of ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, ethanol, silicon oils,phenyltrimethicone, or a mixture thereof.

In some examples, including a shim, wherein both the shim and the pistonhead include one or more slots. In examples, the one or more slots ofthe shim have a shape and size approximately equal to the one or moreslots of the of the piston head. In examples, the shim is configured torotate with respect to the piston head thereby adjusting the amount ofresistance experienced by the piston. In examples, rotation of the shimto a first position substantially aligns the one or more slots of theshim with the one or more slots of the of the piston head, and rotationof the rebound shim to a second position substantially misaligns the oneor more slots of the shim with the one or more slots of the of thepiston head.

In some examples, the rod is connected to the shim and when the rod isrotated, the shim is rotated with respect to the piston head. In someexamples, a knob that is located opposite the cap and that is connectedto the rod, wherein the knob can be rotated to rotate the rod. Inexamples, the rod includes a generally D-shaped lip and the slot shimincludes a generally D-shaped hole that receives the lip of the rod. Inexamples, the piston includes a plug that is received in the lip of therod.

In disclosed examples, a device for controlling the motion of an object,includes a body that includes a chamber filled at least in part with ashear thickening fluid, a piston that is positioned in the body and thatis connected to a cap, the piston configured to exert pressure againstthe shear thickening fluid in response to a force applied to the cap byan object, and a rod that includes a first portion and a second portion,wherein the first portion is connected to the piston and configured toadjust an amount of pressure exerted against the shear thickening fluid.

In some examples, the first portion is configured to slide with respectto the second portion with movement of the piston in response to theforce applied to the cap. In some examples, the piston includes a shimincluding one or more slots, and a piston head including one or moreslots, wherein the shim is configured to rotate with respect to thepiston head to adjust alignment between the one or more slots of theshim and the one or more slots of the piston head.

In examples, the second portion is connected to a knob that is locatedopposite the cap, wherein the knob can be rotated to rotate the secondportion connected to the first portion thereby rotating the shimrelative to the piston head.

In disclosed examples, a device for controlling the motion of a door,includes a body that includes a chamber filled at least in part with ashear thickening fluid, the body being configured to be connected to afirst hinge leaf of a door hinge, wherein the body includes a piston anda cam in the chamber, and a pin that is connected to a second hinge leafof the door hinge and that is connected to the cam, and wherein when thesecond hinge leaf is rotated, the pin rotates, which causes the cam torotate and push the piston to exert pressure against the shearthickening fluid.

In some examples, the piston includes a piston head. In examples, ashim, wherein both the shim and the piston head include one or moreslots. In examples, the one or more slots of the shim have a shape andsize approximately equal to the one or more slots of the of the pistonhead. In examples, the shim is configured to rotate with respect to thepiston head thereby adjusting the amount of resistance experienced bythe piston. In some examples, rotation of the shim to a first positionsubstantially aligns the one or more slots of the shim with the one ormore slots of the of the piston head, and rotation of the rebound shimto a second position substantially misaligns the one or more slots ofthe shim with the one or more slots of the of the piston head.

In some examples, a cam follower arranged in the chamber and connectedto the cam on a first end and connected to the piston on a second end,wherein the cam includes a raised portion to move the cam followeraxially as the cam rotates. In examples, rotating the first hinge leafaway from the second hinge leaf rotates the cam in a first directioncausing the cam follower to push the piston away from the cam.

In some examples, rotating the first hinge leaf toward the second hingeleaf rotates the cam in a second direction allowing the cam follower tomove the piston toward the cam. In examples, a spring to bias the camfollower toward the cam, thereby forcing the cam follower toward the camas the first hinge leaf rotates toward the second hinge leaf.

In disclosed examples, a device for controlling the motion of a door,includes a body that includes a first chamber filled at least in partwith a shear thickening fluid, and a second chamber fluidly isolatedfrom the first chamber, the body being configured to be connected to afirst hinge leaf of a door hinge, wherein the body includes a piston anda cam in the chamber, a cam arranged in the second chamber and connectedto a second hinge leaf of the door hinge, a cam follower arranged in thesecond chamber and connected to the cam on a first end and connected toa piston on a second end, wherein the piston is arranged in the firstchamber, and wherein, when the second hinge leaf is rotated, the camrotates, which causes the cam follower to push the piston to exertpressure against the shear thickening fluid.

In some examples, the piston includes a shim including one or moreslots, and a piston head including one or more slots, wherein the shimis configured to rotate with respect to the piston head to adjustalignment between the one or more slots of the shim and the one or moreslots of the piston head.

In examples, a cap adjuster that includes a rod extending into thechamber, wherein the piston includes a plug having a slot that isconfigured to receive the rod. In examples, the plug is configured tosecure the shim relative to the piston head. In examples, the rod isconfigured to mate with the slot of the plug such that rotation of thecap adjuster causes rotation of the plug and the shim, thereby adjustingthe amount of alignment between the shim and the piston head.

In some examples, the one or more slots of the shim have a shape andsize approximately equal to the one or more slots of the of the pistonhead.

In some examples, the cam includes a raised portion to move the camfollower axially as the cam rotates. In examples, rotating the firsthinge leaf away from the second hinge leaf rotates the cam in a firstdirection causing the cam follower to push the piston away from the cam.

In some examples, rotating the first hinge leaf toward the second hingeleaf rotates the cam in a second direction causing the cam follower tomove the piston toward the cam. In examples, a spring to bias the camfollower toward the cam, thereby forcing the cam follower toward the camas the first hinge leaf rotates toward the second hinge leaf.

In disclosed examples, a device for controlling the motion of a door,including a first hinge leaf that includes a chamber filled at least inpart with a shear thickening fluid, the chamber further retaining abushing and a plunger, wherein the bushing and plunger are connected toa screw, and a second hinge leaf that includes a nut and a portion ofthe screw, and wherein when the first hinge leaf is rotated, the screwrotates such that the bushing and plunger move vertically such that apiston connected to the plunger exerts pressure against the shearthickening fluid.

In some examples, the piston includes a piston head. In examples, ashim, wherein both the shim and the piston head include one or moreslots. In examples, the one or more slots of the shim have a shape andsize approximately equal to the one or more slots of the of the pistonhead.

In some examples, the shim is configured to rotate with respect to thepiston head thereby adjusting the amount of resistance experienced bythe piston. In examples, rotation of the shim to a first positionsubstantially aligns the one or more slots of the shim with the one ormore slots of the of the piston head, and rotation of the rebound shimto a second position substantially misaligns the one or more slots ofthe shim with the one or more slots of the of the piston head.

In some examples, an extension connected to the shim and when theextension is rotated, the shim is rotated with respect to the pistonhead. In examples, a knob that is connected to the extension, whereinthe knob can be rotated to rotate the extension.

In some examples, a dowel pin to extend through the screw, the bushingand the plunger. In examples, the bushing includes a slot oriented withvertical movement of the lead screw, the dowel pin partially extendinginto the slot. In examples, the slot limits the vertical movement of thedowel pin, the screw, the bushing and the plunger during rotation of thescrew.

In some examples, the screw, the bushing and the plunger are held in thesame rotational position relative to each other during rotation of thescrew.

In some examples, a cap connected to the nut, the cap including a shaftto receive a portion of the screw during rotation of the screw.

In disclosed examples, a device for controlling the motion of a door,including a screw nut configured to receive a screw, a bushing connectedto the screw, wherein rotation of the bushing relative to the screw nutcauses the screw to move into or out from the screw nut, and a pistonconnected to the bushing, wherein movement of the screw rotates causesthe piston to move vertically such that the piston exerts pressureagainst a shear thickening fluid.

In some examples, the piston including a shim including one or moreslots, and a piston head including one or more slots, wherein the shimis configured to rotate with respect to the piston head to adjustalignment between the one or more slots of the shim and the one or moreslots of the piston head.

In some examples, a spacer plug to secure the shim to the piston. Inexamples, a knob adjuster that includes an extension configured to matewith the spacer plug, such that rotation of the knob adjuster rotatesthe shim relative to the piston head, thereby adjusting alignmentbetween the one or more slots of the shim and the one or more slots ofthe piston head.

In some examples, the device is configured to be inserted into a hingecomprising a first hinge leaf and a second hinge leaf. In examples, thefirst hinge leaf includes a chamber filled at least in part with theshear thickening fluid, the piston arranged within the chamber.

In some examples, the second hinge leaf includes the screw nut, whereinwhen the first hinge leaf is rotated, the screw rotates such that thebushing and piston move vertically such that the piston exerts pressureagainst the shear thickening fluid.

The Linear Motion Control System

FIGS. 1-7B show views of a linear motion control system 10 (e.g., a pin)according to an embodiment of the present technology. The system 10includes a generally cylindrical body 14 that includes a threaded outerportion 18 and a generally smooth outer portion 22. The threaded outerportion 18 is configured to be received in a nut 26. The threaded outerportion 18 and the nut 26 allow the system 10 to be threadably securedto any number of devices with respect to which the system 10 can be usedto control motion. The body 14 defines an inner chamber 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the system 10 includes a piston plunger 34 that isinserted and held in place in the inner chamber 30 by a bushing 38. Thesystem 10 includes a spring 42 that is inserted into a cavity in thebushing 38. A plunger cap or tip 46 is inserted into the bushing 38 andonto the plunger 34 such that the spring 42 is positioned in a cavity ofthe plunger cap 46. The bushing 38 serves as a guide for the plunger 34and the plunger cap 46, and as a stop for the spring 42. The system 10includes a piston head 50 that is positioned in the chamber 30 and thatis connected to the plunger 34. The system 10 further includes a plug 54that is connected to the plunger 34. The system 10 further includes ashim 74 that is mounted to a rod 78 that in turn is mounted to the plug54.

With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the shim 74 has one or more slots 82that generally match one or more slots 86 through piston head 50 in oneor both of size and/or shape. Shim 74 includes a generally D-shaped hole102, although additional or alternative holes and hole shapes areconsidered. The rod 78 is connected to a rotatable adjustment knob 90.

With respect to FIGS. 5A-6, the rod 78 includes first and secondportions 94 and 98. The first portion 94 is connected to the knob 90.The first and second portions 94 and 98 can slide with respect to eachother in the directions of arrows A and B. The second portion 98includes a generally D-shaped lip portion 106 that is received in thehole 102 of the shim 74. The lip portion 106 of the second portion 98receives a portion of the plug 54 that is connected to the plunger 34.As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the plug 54 can includes threads 72 thatallows for it to be threadably connected to the plunger 34. The lipportion 106 of the second portion 98 is rotatable with respect to theplug 54. The piston head 50 includes a counterbore with a protrusion110. The lip portion 106 of the second portion 98 extends into thecounterbore and the protrusion 110 limits how far the second portion 98can rotate in the directions of Arrows C and D.

In some examples, the plug, lip portion, shim and piston head can beconnected and oriented such that the blocking of further rotation of thelip portion in a first direction by the protrusion can indicate to theuser that the slots of the shim and the slots of the piston head arealigned and that the blocking of further rotation of the lip portion ina second, opposite direction by the protrusion can indicate to the userthat the slots of the shim and the slots of the piston head are notaligned. In some examples, the system includes an indicator (e.g. avisual, audible, tactile, etc.) that provides information regardingalignment of the slots of the shim and the slots of the piston head. Forinstance, one or more markers (e.g. lines, letters, numbers, graphics,colors, etc.) may be provided on the knob and/or a portion of the systemto indicate an amount of resistance and/or alignment of the slots.

Returning to FIG. 2, a retaining ring 58 is placed onto an upper grooveof the bushing 38 and O-rings 60 and 62 are placed into grooves in thebushing 38 and the piston head 50. A collar or nose guide 68 is securedto the bushing 38 to enclose the chamber 30 and retain the bushing 38and plunger cap 46 in place. The collar 68 can be secured to the bushing38 by a press fit or by any number of other means.

The portion of the chamber that does receive the bushing 38 defines ahydraulic chamber 66 that is filled with shear thickening or dilatantfluid 70. Shear thickening fluid (“STF”, or dilatant material) is aNon-Newtonian fluid that stiffens when acted upon by pressure and/orspeed. For example, the greater the speed and/or pressure, the stifferthe fluid becomes. When the speed and/or pressure is light, the fluid isflowable. When the speed and/or pressure is higher, it begins to actmore like a solid.

In operation, the assembly 10 is threadably inserted into and connectedto an object such that the assembly 10 can be used to control and dampenmotion of devices that engage the object. For example, the assembly 10could be used with industrial equipment to dampen the motion of onedevice that moves relative to and engages with another device. In thatregard, the assembly 10 is positioned in the object so the plunger capor tip 46 can be engaged by a moving device.

The amount of resistance to the movement of the device(s) can beadjusted by controlling the size of a slot through which the STF flows.For example, a user can rotate the knob 90 clockwise or counterclockwiseto adjust how the slots 82 of the shim 74 align with the slots 86 of thepiston head 50. Specifically, by turning the knob 90, the first rodportion 94 engages the second rod portion 98 and causes the second rodportion 98 to rotate. As the second rod portion 98 rotates, the shim 74likewise rotates. The protrusion 110 of the piston head 50 limits howfar the lip 106 of the second portion 98, and thus the shim 74, can berotated in either direction. Rotation of the second portion 98 and theshim 74 does not cause the plug 54 or plunger 34 to rotate. Once theshim 74 has been rotated to the desired position, the plunger cap 46 isengaged by the moving device, and the plunger cap 46 is pushed into thebody 14 and through the bushing 38 such that the plunger cap 46 pushesagainst the plunger 34 and spring 42. That action leads to the pistonhead 50 and shim 74 moving with respect to the fluid 70 in a directiontoward the knob 90. The fluid 70 reacts to the force and speed of thatimpact and stiffens or remains flowable depending on the force appliedand how the slots 82 and 86 are aligned. The movement of the plunger cap46 also causes the second rod portion 98 to move toward the knob 90,such that the second rod portion 98 slides along the first rod portion94 in the direction of Arrow A, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

The ability of the fluid 70 to resist the force of the depressed plungercap 46 (and thus control the speed and/or force of the device contactingthe cap 46) depends on the alignment of the slots 82 of the shim 74 andthe slots 86 of the piston head 50. For example, if the shim 74 has beenrotated to a first setting (e.g., by the user turning the adjustmentknow 90) such that its slots 82 do not align with the slots 86 in thepiston head 50, the fluid 70 will resist the movement of the pistonplunger 34, and the plunger cap 46 will not depress. This, in turn, willcause an abrupt and hard stop to the device that contacts the plungercap 46.

If, however, the knob 94 is turned to a second setting to align theslots 82 on the shim 74 with the slots 86 on the piston head 50, thenthe fluid 70 flows more easily between the shim 74 and the piston head50 and does not resist movement of the plunger 34 and cap 46 as much.Thus, in this way, the compression of the fluid 70 is at its lightestsetting. Of course, the knob 94 can be rotated to other positionsbesides the first and second positions to fine tune the setting of fluid70 compression or resistance that the user desires for a particularapplication. The rotation in either direction is limited by theprotrusion 110 that engages the second rod portion 98.

The reactivity to force of the fluid 70 lets the system 10 control thedevice engaging the plunger cap 46 due to the stiffening effect of thematerial make-up (e.g., a polymeric material) of the fluid 70. The fluid70 also serves to control, in combination with the selection of thespring rate of spring 42, the return force from the plunger cap 46 sothat it does not return to its fully extended position with such speedor force that it can damage the device that engages it. In that regard,the spring 42 returns the plunger 34 to its fully extended position withthe combination of the selected spring rate and the engineered shearthickening fluid 70 controlling the rate of return, and thus notallowing a spring-back effect.

With respect to FIG. 7A, the slots 86 of piston head 50 can be pitchedwith the wider part of the opening facing the fluid 70 and the narrowerpart on the backside of the piston head 50 such that the slots 86 aresubstantially “V” shaped. This structure can help the shear thickeningfluid 70 stack up (stiffen) as the piston plunger 34 pushes through thefluid 70.

Additionally, the shear thickening fluid 70, as engineered, may havenanoparticles of a specific dimension that are mixed in a non-toxiccarrier fluid or solvent. Force applied to the shear thickening fluid 70results in these nanoparticles stacking up, thus stiffening and actingmore like a solid than a flowable liquid. Examples of shear thickeningfluid are disclosed or described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,825,045 and U.S.Published Application No. 2020/0011110 (U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/502,470), which are incorporated herein in their entireties byreference.

The particles of shear thickening fluid 70 may be, by way of example,oxides, calcium carbonate, synthetically occurring minerals, naturallyoccurring minerals, polymers, or a mixture thereof. The particles mayalso be, by way of example, SiO₂, polystyrene, orpolymethylmethacrylate. The solvent may be, by way of example, water,which may contain salts, surfactants, and/or polymers. The solvent mayalso be, for example, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, ethanol,silicon oils, phenyltrimethicone or a mixture thereof. In some examples,the particles may have an average diameter size that is less than 1millimeter, and may have an average diameter size of less than 100microns. By way of example, the shear thickening fluid 70 may be made ofsilica particles suspended in polyethylene glycol. By further way ofexample, silica particles may suspended in the polyethylene glycol at avolume fraction of approximately 0.57. The silica particles may have anaverage particle diameter of approximately 446 nm. The fluid may have ashear thickening transition at a shear rate of approximately 102-103s−1.

Again, a simple rotation of the knob 90 allows the user to control thevalve sensitivity based on the feel they want when closing the door.Turning the knob 90 to the first position locks the plunger cap 46 andstops movement of the device that engages the plunger cap 46 because theshim 74 blocks shear thickening fluid 70 from passing to the slots 86the piston head 50. Turning the knob to the second position allows theplunger cap 46 to move at a controlled speed because the slots 82 on theshim 74 are generally aligned with the slots 86 on the piston head 50,allowing the fluid to pass through the piston head 50. However, thefluid still reacts to speed and pressure. Therefore, the system stillcontrols the movement of the device engaging the plunger cap 46.

The shim 74 may float on the lip portion 106 of the rod 78, such thatthe shim 74 is not in a fixed position with respect to the piston head50. Thus, the shim 74 can press against the piston head 50 when theshear thickening fluid 70 is being compressed, and pull away from thepiston head 50 when the plunger 34 rebounds back to its extendedposition. Alternatively, the shim 74 may be held in a fixed positionwith respect to the piston head 50 and/or in contact with the pistonhead 50, but still be rotatable with respect to the piston head 50 viaturning of the knob 90.

The Pin System

FIGS. 8 to 31 illustrate an example pin system (also referred to as a“SlamBlok Pin”) that is configured to replaces a hinge pin in a doorhinge and that controls the slamming of a door.

As shown in FIGS. 8-11, a hinge pin assembly 200 includes one or more ofa piston assembly 202 which includes a rebound shim 204 and a pistonhead 206. The piston assembly 202 is configured to control movement ofthe pin assembly 200 by applying force against a STF 230 within achamber 232 (e.g., within a body or chamber housing 226, as shown inFIG. 11). A cap 212 includes a cap adjuster 214, by which an operatormay rotate the shim 204 relative to the piston head 206 to change anamount of overlap between shim slots 238 and piston slots 240. As theamount of overlap between slots 238 and 240 changes, the size of achannel through which the STF 230 may flow changes, thereby modifyingthe resistance the piston assembly 202 meets when pressing against theSTF 230.

The first and second leaves 220, 222 may include first and second hingeknuckles 220A and 222A, respectively, through which a pin 228 may beinserted. A fastener 218 is configured to secure the pin assembly 200 inplace once inserted through the first and second hinge knuckles 220A and222A. The leaves 220 and/or 222 may include one or more fasteners orscrew holes 224 to facilitate securing the hinge to a door.

A hinge cam 210 is arranged at an edge of a hinge that includes firstand second leaves 220 and 222, with a dowel 216 extending from the hingecam 210 to force rotation of the hinge cam 210 relative to rotationalmovement of the leaves. The chamber housing 226 includes one or moreprotrusions 227 that extend toward the hinge. In some examples, the oneor more protrusions 227 contact the hinge leaf 222, such that thechamber housing 226 moves along with rotation of leaf 222. The dowel 216contacts the hinge leaf 220, such that the hinge cam 210 moves withrotation of leaf 220.

In some examples, the piston assembly 202 rests within the cap 212 whenleaves 220 and 222 are in contact (e.g., when a corresponding door isclosed). A spring 208 is arranged in chamber 236 and biased against thecam follower 254, forcing the cam follower 254 towards the hinge cam 210as a raised portion 252 (FIG. 13) of the hinge cam 210 rotates. Relativerotation increases the distance between leaves 220 and 222 (e.g., uponopening of the door) while the cam follower 254 is forced away from thecap 212, thereby creating space between the piston assembly 202 and theadjustment cap 214.

As the hinge cam 210 rotates in response to rotation closing thedistance between the leaves 220 and 222 (e.g., as the door closes), thehinge cam 210 rotates, which causes the cam follower 254 to move towardthe cap 212, forcing the piston assembly 202 toward the cap 212. As shim204 and piston head 206 move against the STF 230, the resistance to themovement is controlled by the amount of alignment between the slots 238and 240. In some examples, STF 230 can flow around edges of the shim 204and/or through the slots 238. The movement of the cam follower 254 alsoforces the spring 208 to compress, thereby forcing maintained contactbetween the cam follower 254 and the hinge cam 210 in preparation foranother rotation.

In some examples, the shim 204 may float on a generally D-shaped lipportion 237 of the plug 242, such that the shim 204 is not in a fixedposition with respect to the piston head 206. Thus, the shim 204 canpress against the piston head 206 when the shear thickening fluid 230 isbeing compressed, and pull away from the piston head 206 when theassembly 202 rebounds back to its closed position. Alternatively, theshim 204 may be held in a fixed position with respect to the piston head306 and/or in contact with the piston head 306, but still be rotatablewith respect to the piston head 306 via turning of the cap adjuster 214.

The movement of the cam follower 254 also forces the spring 208 tocompress, thereby forcing maintained contact between the cam follower254 and the hinge cam 210 in preparation for another rotation.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the piston head 206 is mounted to aplunger shaft cam 244. A shoulder bolt 234 is configured to screw intothe plunger shaft cam 244. The piston head 206 is mounted to the plungershaft cam 244 and a rebound spacer plug 242 is positioned between theshoulder bolt 234 and the piston head 206. Shim 238 is mounted to theplug 242 and spaced axially from the piston head 206. A D-shaped rod 211of the cap adjuster 214 mates with the shoulder bolt 234 such thatrotation of the cap adjuster 214 causes rotation of the plug 242 andthus the shim 204, which allows the user to adjust the amount ofalignment between the shim 204 and the piston head 206. The cam follower254 is secured to the plunger shaft cam 244 via a fastener 246. The pin228 extends through the hinge cam 210 and is secured in place by thefastener 218. The cap adjuster 214 is configured to rotate about acentral axis 215.

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate the chamber housing 226 as configured to containmovable parts of the assembly 200. For example, the piston assembly 202is housed within the chamber 232 of the chamber housing 226, such thatthe piston assembly 202 moves along the central axis 215 defined by thepin 228 (FIG. 13).

As shown in FIGS. 19-24, the piston assembly 202 is secured to theplunger shaft cam 244 by shoulder bolt 234. The plunger shaft cam 244includes a shoulder bolt D-driver 256 configured to mate with threadedportion 260 of shoulder bolt 234, which is configured to accept theD-shaped rod 211 (FIG. 11) of the cap 212 as the piston assembly 202moves toward and/or away from the adjustable cap 214 in response torotational movement of the hinge cam 210. At an opposite end of theplunger shaft cam 244 is an end portion 258 manufactured to mate withfastener 246 (FIG. 11).

As disclosed herein, a position of slots 238 in the shim 204 can beadjusted relative to slots 240 in the piston head 206, creating achannel of adjustable size through which STF 230 flows. For example,when slots 238 and 240 are substantially aligned, a maximum amount ofSTF 230 may flow therethrough as the piston assembly 202 moves towardsthe cap 212. As the slots 238 and 240 become more out of alignment, thechannel narrows, causing the STF 230 to flow less readily, therebyincreasing resistance and slowing movement of the hinge cam 210 andpiston assembly 202 toward the cap 212 and, therefore, slowing therotation of the leaves 218 and 220 toward each other.

With respect to FIG. 24, the plug 242 includes a generally D-shaped lipportion 237 that is received in the hole 239 of the shim 204. The lipportion 237 of the plug 242 is received in counterbore 243 of the pistonhead 206. As shown in FIG. 24, the shoulder bolt 234 includes threads260 that allows for it to be threadably connected to the shoulder boltD-driver 256 of plunger shaft cam 244. The lip portion 237 of the plug242 is rotatable with respect to the piston head 206. For example, thelip portion 237 extends into the counterbore 243 and a protrusion 247extends into the counterbore 243 to limit how far the lip portion 237(and thereby the shim 204) can rotate in the directions of Arrows C andD when the cap adjuster 214 is rotated.

In some examples, the plug, lip portion, shim and piston head can beconnected and oriented such that the blocking of further rotation of thelip portion in a first direction by the protrusion can indicate to theuser that the slots of the shim and the slots of the piston head arealigned and that the blocking of further rotation of the lip portion ina second, opposite direction by the protrusion can indicate to the userthat the slots of the shim and the slots of the piston head are notaligned. In some examples, the system includes an indicator (e.g. avisual, audible, tactile, etc.) that provides information regardingalignment of the slots of the shim and the slots of the piston head. Forinstance, one or more markers (e.g. lines, letters, numbers, graphics,colors, etc.) may be provided on the knob and/or a portion of the systemto indicate an amount of resistance and/or alignment of the slots.

FIGS. 25-30 illustrate an example hinge cam 210 secured to pin 228. Asshown, the pin 228 extends through the hinge cam 210, which is securedin place by fastener 218 (e.g., when inserted into the knuckles 220A and222A). One or more dowels 216 are inserted into the hinge cam 210 andextend from a surface of the hinge cam 210 toward the pin 228. Thedowel(s) 216 are configured to engage a hinge leaf (e.g., a dowel 216 ispositioned against a leaf) and respond to rotational movement of theleaf.

With reference to FIG. 11, chamber housing 226 contains the STF 230 inthis first or upper chamber 232 and the hinge cam 210 and spring 208 arein the second or lower chamber 236. The hinge cam 210 turns the rotarymotion of the hinge pin 228 (which is caused to rotate by a rotatingleaf engaging the dowels 216) into linear motion, thus driving theplunger shaft cam 244 toward the cap 212 and into the upper chamber 232through the STF 230. Slots 240 in piston head 206 allow STF 230 (such asthat described above with respect to the linear motion control device)to flow through them at a rate determined by the adjustment of therebound shim 204 that can be rotated to leave open, partially cover, orfully cover the slots 238. When the slots are fully covered, the systemis in a locked-out position in which the piston cannot travel and, thus,the door cannot be closed.

The pin 228 retains the assembly 200 in the hinge body. In order toinstall the assembly 200, the user removes an existing hinge pin in theknuckles 220A and 220B of the door hinge. The pin 228 of the assembly200 can then be inserted into the hinge knuckles 220A and 220B with thekeyed portion of the bottom of the chamber housing 226 fitting over theleaf 220, 222 of one of the hinge plates. The pin tightening screw 218is then tightened which slightly flares the bottom of the pin 228,securing it to the bottom portion of the opposite hinge leaf (wherechamber housing 226 is keyed and secured). In some examples, thearrangement of the pin 228 is fixed relative to one or both of knuckle220B and hinge cam 210.

Since the chamber housing 226 and the pin 228 are secured to separatehinge leaves 220, 222, as the door closes, one hinge leaf rotatesrelative to the other, which causes the pin 228 which is secured to thehinge cam 210, to rotate relative to the chamber housing 226. The hingecam 210 then rotates, which causes the cam follower 254 to push theassembly of 202 (including plunger shaft cam 244 and shoulder bolt 234and shim 204) though the upper chamber 232 that is filled with STF 230.Due to the properties of the STF 230, the assembly 202 is met withresistance as it is pushed into the upper chamber 232, slowing theadvancement of the assembly 202 and thereby slowing rotational movementof the door.

The resistance on the shim 204 from the STF 230 may cause the shim 204to move to or away from the plunger head 206. For example, as theassembly 202 moves toward cap 212 within the chamber 232, the shim 204may be forced toward or against the plunger head 206. In the case thatslots of the shim 204 and the plunger head 206 are out of alignment, theSTF 230 may significantly slow movement of the assembly 202.

When the door is opened, the piston assembly 202 reverses itself and theshim 204 lifts up off of piston head 206, stopping on the shoulder ofrebound spacer plug 242. This allows the slots 240 of piston head 206 tobe fully exposed and the flow rate of the STF 230 to be maximal. Thisreverse movement is partially due to force from the spring 208 pushingagainst the cam follower 254 to orient itself with the hinge cam 210, asit returns to a lower (door open) position to prepare the cam follower254 for door closing. This also ensures the assembly 202 is positioned amaximal distance from the cap 212. Rebound spacer plug 242 also serves asecondary purpose of retaining shim 204 on shoulder bolt 234 so that itdoes not separate from the piston assembly 202 upon retraction (e.g., asthe door is opened).

The cap adjuster 214 performs the dual purpose of capping the top of thefluid chamber 232 and acts as an adjustment knob for the user to controlthe flow rate of the STF 230 through the slots 238 and 240. The D-shapedrod 211 in the adjustable cap 214 extends into chamber 232 and into aD-shaped slot 235 in the shoulder bolt 234. Adjustable cap 214 causesthe shoulder bolt 234 (and shim 204, which is connected to the shoulderbolt 234) to rotate with respect to the piston head 206. The adjustablecap 214 has an O-ring 248 sealing the lower chamber 232 and an internalretaining ring 250 (as shown in FIG. 12). Internal retaining rings 250are used to snap-fit parts together so they cannot be taken apart by theuser. These rings are permanent internal snap rings that fit matinggrooves on the chamber housing 226.

The Hinge System

Turning to FIGS. 32 to 72, a hinge system 300 (also referred to as the“SlamBlok Hinge”) that controls the motion of one or more devices, suchas the slamming of a door, is shown.

The hinge system 300 is configured to replace one or more hinges of adoor. As shown in FIG. 32, a complete hinge assembly (with the system300 incorporated through hinge leaves 316 and 318) performs a similarfunction as the pin assembly 200 described above by controlling theclosure speed of a door and/or stopping fast or forceful movements witha combination of STF resistance combined with the mechanicals disclosedherein. The user can replace one or more of their existing door hingesto have the control they desire.

The disclosed hinge system 300 can be provided in right hand andleft-hand versions and can be a complete assembly for the user toinstall. In other words, no assembly is required by the user, justinstallation. For example, a first leaf 318 (e.g., a right hand hingejamb) is attached to the jamb of the door opening and a second leaf 316(e.g., a right hand opening hinge door) is attached to the door. Theleaves 316 and 318 include holes 320 for receiving fasteners thatconnect the leaves 316 and 318 to the door or jamb.

With reference to FIGS. 34 and 35, the hinge system 300 turns the rotarymotion of the hinge into linear motion using a lead screw mechanism 308combined with a mating lead screw nut 350 (e.g., an Igus nut right handnut) to drive a plunger rod 359 which drives a piston assembly 302(including a piston head 306 and/or a rebound shim 304) though the STF330 as the door is closed. The mating nut 350 is held stationary withina housing 344 by a key 351 (e.g., a key sized ⅛″). A plunger bushing 361serves the dual purpose of maintaining the concentric position of theplunger rod 359 and sealing an STF chamber 328 area within a chamberhousing 334 (or bushing pin) inserted in first leaf 318. The seal of theplunger bushing 361 on the plunger rod 359 and the in the STF chamberarea 328 of chamber housing 334 is accomplished by O-rings 356, andplunger bushing 361 is retained in place by a retaining ring 309.

The lead screw mechanism 308 is keyed to the plunger bushing 361 with adowel pin 354 which keeps plunger bushing 361 and lead screw mechanism308 in the same rotational position in relation to each other whileallowing the lead screw mechanism 308 to travel vertically with therotation of the hinge.

The mating lead screw nut 350 never moves up or down. The lead screwmechanism 308 moves up and down which is one of the reasons for theinternal space in the pin hinge shaft 311 of cap 312 allowing lead screwmechanism 308 space to rise as the door is opened. The housing 344 ispressed into knuckle 346 of hinge leaf 316. The plunger bushing 361, thelead screw mechanism 308, and the plunger rod 359 are held in the samerotational position relative to each other with the dowel pin 354. Thedowel pin 354 effectively drives the plunger rod 359 since it isconnected to both the lead screw mechanism 308 and the plunger rod 359.Ring 20 snapably retains the mating lead screw nut 350 into the pinhinge shaft 311 of cap 312, as shown in FIG. 34.

A pin 352 connects (or “keys”) the bushing 361 to the hinge leaf 318such that, as the hinge leaf 318 rotates, the plunger bushing 361rotates with the hinge leaf 318. In other words, both bushing 361 andhinge leaf 318 rotate with respect to hinge leaf 316. The keyway on thetwo hinge leafs (316, 318) line up so that the subassembly (whichincludes the plunger bushing 361 and pin 352 extending out of theplunger bushing 361) can be inserted as a whole cartridge duringassembly, i.e., the bushing 361 and pin 352 can be slid through the topknuckle 346 of hinge leaf 316 into the knuckle 347 of hinge leaf 318such that the pin 352 partially rests in portion 353A and 353B, as shownin FIG. 35.

In operation, when the hinge leaf 318 is rotated from open to closed,the plunger bushing 361, which is secured to the hinge leaf 318 by pin352, rotates with the hinge leaf 318. As the plunger bushing 361rotates, it causes the lead screw mechanism 308, which is connected tothe plunger bushing 361 by the pin 354, to start rotating downward awayfrom mating lead screw nut 350 and pin hinge shaft 311. As the leadscrew mechanism 308 rotates downward, the pin 354 slides downward in theslot in the plunger bushing 361. As the position of bushing 361 is fixedrelative to knuckle 347 of hinge 318, the relative rotational movementbetween hinge leaves 316 and 318 forces linear movement of lead screwmechanism 308. For example, the rotational movement between hinge leaves316 and 318 forces the lead screw mechanism 308 to rotate within matinglead screw nut 350, thereby causing the linear motion of the lead screwmechanism 308 and the connected plunger assembly 302, as disclosedherein.

Because the plunger rod 359 is connected to the lead screw mechanism 308by the pin 354, the plunger rod 359 moves downward with the lead screwmechanism 308, which causes the shim 304 and piston head assembly 302 topush into the STF 330 in the chamber 328 of chamber housing 334. The STF330 reacts to the engagement from the shim 304 and piston head assembly302 as previously described depending on how the slots on the shim 304are aligned with the slots on the piston head assembly 302. In this way,the STF 330 controls the rotary motion of the hinge leaf 318 when thehinge leaf 318 is closed. Upon opening the door, hinge leaf 318 isrotated away from hinge leaf 316 and the lead screw mechanism 308 screwsback up toward the mating lead screw nut 350 and pin hinge shaft 311. Asthe lead screw mechanism 308 screws upward, the plunger rod 359, whichis connected to the lead screw mechanism 308, moves upward as well.

With references to FIGS. 34-36, a shoulder bolt 332 is configured forinsertion to the rebound spacer plug 340. The shoulder bolt 332 screwsinto the plunger rod 359, thereby securing the piston head 306 to theplunger rod 359. Shim 304 is arranged at an end of the rebound spacerplug 340 such that rotation of the rebound spacer plug 340 can adjustalignment of the shim 304 relative to the piston head 306. The reboundspacer plug 340 is long enough to provide sufficient distance betweenthe shim 304 and the piston head 306, such that the rebound shim 304 isallowed to move up and down relative to the piston head 306 duringopening or closing of the door, as shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIGS. 36 and 54.

The hinge system 300 includes a knob 314 on a hinge pin shaft bottom 324of the hinge assembly 300 that can be used to control the flow rate ofthe STF 330 (such as that described above with respect to the linearmotion control device) through the piston slots 372 (FIG. 56) throughthe use of a rebound shim 304. The operation is similar to thatdescribed above for the linear motion control device. In particular, thefluid flow is controlled by rotating a knob adjuster 326 which passesthrough the hinge pin shaft bottom 324, which is knurled and pressedinto the lower portion of hinge leaf 316. The knob adjuster 326 includesa D- or C-shaped extension 367 that is mated to and allows the slidingof the rebound spacer plug 340 along a D- or C-shaped extension 366 upand down the extension 367 of the knob adjuster 326, as shown in detail,for example, in FIGS. 44 and 70. The D-shaped mating of these two partsallows the rotation of the knob adjuster 326 to turn the rebound shim304, thus controlling STF flow while the mating D-shape also allowsthose two parts to bypass each other as the piston head 306 moves up anddown (FIG. 70). The retaining ring 327 retains the knob adjuster 326into the hinge pin shaft bottom 324 while still allowing it to rotate.Thrust washers 343 act as spacers that allow the two hinge leaves torotate while mating with each other.

FIG. 37 illustrates a view of the plunger bushing 361, including a slot362 oriented with the linear motion of the lead screw mechanism 308. Inparticular, the pin 354 extends into the slot 362 and limits the linearmovement (both towards and away from the cap 312). This in turn limitsthe linear movement of the piston assembly 302 within the chamber 328.As shown in FIG. 37, pin 354 is within slot 362 closer to cap 312,indicating that opening of the door has moved the screw 308 into the cap312. FIG. 37 shows pin 354 within the slot 362 farthest from cap 312,indicating that closure of the door has moved the lead screw mechanism308 away from the cap 312.

FIGS. 38-40 illustrate a perspective view of the closed hinge. In theexample of FIG. 38, a channel 353C allows pin 352 to access portion 353Bon bushing 361 by being inserted from a top of the hinge. As shown inFIG. 39, the cap 312 includes with an indentation 364 to accept pin 352to force movement of the spring 308 in response to rotation of the hingeleaves. For example, the pin 352 fixes the orientation of the bushing361 relative to knuckle 347 of hinge leaf 318 such that rotation of thehinge leaf 318 relative to hinge leaf 316 causes the bushing 361 torotate. Rotation of the bushing 361 forces rotation of pin 354 and thescrew 308 relative to the nut 350, causing the screw 308 to move up ordown relative to the cap 312. Movement of the screw 308 drives theassembly 302 into or out from the chamber 328, such that the assembly302 interacts with STF 330 to slow movement of the hinge.

FIG. 41 illustrates a front view of the hinge and hinge assembly, withFIG. 42 showing a cross-section of the hinge and hinge assembly.

FIG. 43 illustrates the assembly 300 in the hinge, with mechanicalsrevealed. As shown, a pin slot 352A is arranged at a first end of hingeleaf 316 to accept a pin 355 to fix the orientation of the housing 344and/or the cap 312 relative to the hinge. Pin slot 352B is arranged at asecond end of leaf 318 to accept a pin to fix the orientation of 324relative to the hinge.

FIG. 44 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly 300with the mechanicals being partially revealed.

FIGS. 45-47 provide cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly 300, ofthe bottom, center, and top views, respectively.

FIGS. 48-51 provide multiple views of the cap 312 and mating lead screwnut 350 held in place by a ring snap internal bore 384. As shown, slot345 of housing 344 is aligned with slot 357 of mating lead screw nut 350to receive key 351. As shown in FIG. 48, mating lead screw nut 350includes a threaded shaft 382, which is configured to accept the leadscrew mechanism 308 of FIG. 32.

FIGS. 52-58 illustrate multiple views of the piston assembly 302 andlead screw mechanism 308. FIGS. 55 and 56 show exploded views of thepiston assembly 302, with the slots 372 in the rebound shim 304 inrelation to the slots 370 in piston cam shape D 306. For example,plunger rod 359 includes a shaft 371 to accept the lead screw mechanism308, with holes 358 to accept a pin or dowel 354 to secure the leadscrew mechanism 308. A D-shaped endpoint 368 is configured to fit thepiston 306. Rebound spacer plug 340 includes the extension 366 to acceptshoulder bolt 332 to secure rebound spacer plug 340 to plunger rod 359.Shoulder bolt 332 includes a fastening end 374 configured to receive atool to turn the shoulder bolt 332 to screw threaded portion 342 intoendpoint 368.

With respect to FIG. 56, the plug 340 includes a generally D-shaped lipportion 337 that is received in the hole 339 of the shim 304. The lipportion 337 of the plug 340 is received in counterbore 365 of the pistonhead 306. As shown in FIG. 56, the shoulder bolt 332 can includesthreads 342 that allows for it to be threadably connected to theendpoint 368 of plunger rod 359. The lip portion 337 of the plug 340 isrotatable with respect to the piston head 306. For example, the lipportion 337 extends into the counterbore 365 and a protrusion 349 of thepiston head 306 limits how far the lip portion 337 (and thereby the shim304) can rotate.

In some examples, the plug, lip portion, shim and piston head can beconnected and oriented such that the blocking of further rotation of thelip portion in a first direction by the protrusion can indicate to theuser that the slots of the shim and the slots of the piston head arealigned and that the blocking of further rotation of the lip portion ina second, opposite direction by the protrusion can indicate to the userthat the slots of the shim and the slots of the piston head are notaligned. In some examples, the system includes an indicator (e.g. avisual, audible, tactile, etc.) that provides information regardingalignment of the slots of the shim and the slots of the piston head. Forinstance, one or more markers (e.g. lines, letters, numbers, graphics,colors, etc.) may be provided on the knob and/or a portion of the systemto indicate an amount of resistance and/or alignment of the slots.

In some examples, the shim 304 may float on the lip portion 337 of theplug 340, such that the shim 304 is not in a fixed position with respectto the piston head 306. Thus, the shim 304 can press against the pistonhead 306 when the shear thickening fluid 330 is being compressed, andpull away from the piston head 306 when the assembly 302 rebounds backto its closed position. Alternatively, the shim 304 may be held in afixed position with respect to the piston head 306 and/or in contactwith the piston head 306, but still be rotatable with respect to thepiston head 306 via turning of the adjustable knob 326.

FIGS. 59-64 illustrate multiple views of the piston assembly 302 andlead screw mechanism 308 and plunger bushing 361.

FIGS. 65-67 illustrate multiple views of the pin hinge shaft bottom 324attached to the adjustable knob 326 and shaft 322, which is configuredfor insertion into chamber housing 334.

Thus, as explained herein, the disclosed technology provides a way tocontrol movement of a device, such as a door. Advantageously, it canprotect devices from other devices slamming into them and thus helpprevent damage to devices, harm to people near the devices, and/or loudnoises created by devices contacting each other.

It is to be understood that the disclosed technology is not limited inits application to the details of construction and the arrangement ofthe components set forth in the description or illustrated in thedrawings. The technology is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The useof “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower,mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used todescribe embodiments, it is understood that such terms are merely usedwith respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientationsmay be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upperportion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical,and the like.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope ofthe present technology. It is understood that the technology disclosedand defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two ormore of the individual features mentioned or evident from the textand/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute variousalternative aspects of the present technology.

1. A device for controlling the motion of a door, comprising: a bodythat includes a chamber filled at least in part with a shear thickeningfluid, the body being configured to be connected to a first hinge leafof a door hinge, wherein the body includes a piston and a cam in thechamber, and a pin that is connected to a second hinge leaf of the doorhinge and that is connected to the cam, and wherein when the secondhinge leaf is rotated, the pin rotates, which causes the cam to rotateand push the piston to exert pressure against the shear thickeningfluid.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the piston includes a pistonhead.
 3. The device of claim 2, further including a shim, wherein boththe shim and the piston head include one or more slots.
 4. The device ofclaim 3, wherein the one or more slots of the shim have a shape and sizeapproximately equal to the one or more slots of the of the piston head.5. The device of claim 4, wherein the shim is configured to rotate withrespect to the piston head thereby adjusting the amount of resistanceexperienced by the piston.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein rotation ofthe shim to a first position substantially aligns the one or more slotsof the shim with the one or more slots of the of the piston head, androtation of the rebound shim to a second position substantiallymisaligns the one or more slots of the shim with the one or more slotsof the of the piston head.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprisinga cam follower arranged in the chamber and connected to the cam on afirst end and connected to the piston on a second end, wherein the camincludes a raised portion to move the cam follower axially as the camrotates.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein rotating the first hinge leafaway from the second hinge leaf rotates the cam in a first directioncausing the cam follower to push the piston away from the cam.
 9. Thedevice of claim 8, wherein rotating the first hinge leaf toward thesecond hinge leaf rotates the cam in a second direction allowing the camfollower to move the piston toward the cam.
 10. The device of claim 9,further comprising a spring to bias the cam follower toward the cam,thereby forcing the cam follower toward the cam as the first hinge leafrotates toward the second hinge leaf.
 11. A device for controlling themotion of a door, comprising: a body that includes a first chamberfilled at least in part with a shear thickening fluid, and a secondchamber fluidly isolated from the first chamber, the body beingconfigured to be connected to a first hinge leaf of a door hinge,wherein the body includes a piston and a cam in the chamber, a camarranged in the second chamber and connected to a second hinge leaf ofthe door hinge, a cam follower arranged in the second chamber andconnected to the cam on a first end and connected to a piston on asecond end, wherein the piston is arranged in the first chamber, andwherein, when the second hinge leaf is rotated, the cam rotates, whichcauses the cam follower to push the piston to exert pressure against theshear thickening fluid.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the pistoncomprises: a shim including one or more slots, and a piston headincluding one or more slots, wherein the shim is configured to rotatewith respect to the piston head to adjust alignment between the one ormore slots of the shim and the one or more slots of the piston head. 13.The device of claim 12, further comprising a cap adjuster that includesa rod extending into the chamber, wherein the piston includes a plughaving a slot that is configured to receive the rod.
 14. The device ofclaim 13, wherein the plug is configured to secure the shim relative tothe piston head.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the rod isconfigured to mate with the slot of the plug such that rotation of thecap adjuster causes rotation of the plug and the shim, thereby adjustingthe amount of alignment between the shim and the piston head.
 16. Thedevice of claim 12, wherein the one or more slots of the shim have ashape and size approximately equal to the one or more slots of the ofthe piston head.
 17. The device of claim 11, wherein the cam includes araised portion to move the cam follower axially as the cam rotates. 18.The device of claim 17, wherein rotating the first hinge leaf away fromthe second hinge leaf rotates the cam in a first direction causing thecam follower to push the piston away from the cam.
 19. The device ofclaim 18, wherein rotating the first hinge leaf toward the second hingeleaf rotates the cam in a second direction causing the cam follower tomove the piston toward the cam.
 20. The device of claim 19, furthercomprising a spring to bias the cam follower toward the cam, therebyforcing the cam follower toward the cam as the first hinge leaf rotatestoward the second hinge leaf.